The New Zealand Defence Force has changed its policy on alcohol consumption, prompted by the the death of an Australian soldier in Canterbury.

A coroner's report looking into the death of Duncan Orr found he died after being hit by a car on State Highway One - almost two years ago.

The findings show the 31-year-old had been drinking with other members of the force at the Burnham Military Camp, before he took off running down the main highway.

He'd consumed almost three times the then legal limit.

Coroner Richard McElrea's acknowledged the changes made to the Defence Force's policy on alcohol consumption in light of the incident.

The stockpiling of drinks was considered a key issue.